Recreational fires are allowed within the City of Virginia Beach, however there is a strict set of regulations that must be followed. City code sections 12.1-12.6 have separate stipulations that are not found in the Fire Code which must also be followed.
Pit burns, bonfires, and fires at special events require an application to be filled out and a permit issued by the Fire Prevention Bureau.
Agricultural burning requires the applicant to first obtain approval from the Virginia Beach Department of Agriculture. After obtaining approval from the Department of Agricultural, Fire Prevention will schedule a site visit to verify information on the application. All applicants must also sign the stipulations that have been outlined by the Fire Prevention Bureau.
All pit burn operations must be approved by Fire Prevention prior to operating. After an application has been submitted a site visit will be performed to verify that all information is correct and that all permit conditions are met.
All Pit Burns and Agricultural Burns can only burn natural debris on the permitted property. Applicants are not allowed to accept debris from other locations. These practices are grounds to have any approved permit revoked.
Please contact the Fire Prevention Bureau with any questions
